Unlike other ballplayers who gobbled steroids to increase their power in the 1990’s, Frank Thomas’ awesome strength was all-natural. Throughout the 1990’s there was no more frightening sight for a pitcher than to see The Big Hurt warming up in the on-deck circle – especially when he was swinging his famed three-foot, seven-pound piece of rebar. This Rawlings bat was used by Thomas during the 1998-1999 seasons. In 1998 the big slugger banged out 29 home runs followed by 15 with a .305 average in 1999. Thomas wound up his career as a member of the exclusive 500 Home Run Club and became the first Designated Hitter to be elected to Cooperstown.
The Big Hurt’s Rawlings 576B model bat shows light game use with a handle crack. The barrel displays several ball marks with white leather ball scuffs. Cleat imprints are visible as are abrasions and scuffs from contact with other equipment and the ground. The knob end is stamped with the model number “576B” and the barrel has “FRANK THOMAS WHITE SOX” stamped in white. The Big Hurt has signed the barrel in contrasting silver marker, completing this visually stunning Hall of Fame gamer. The bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B17122) for the game use and HOLO ONLY from Tristar for the signature.